A Broad Dagger by Awataguchi Yoshimitsu
The Short Sword (signed Yoshimitsu) with Waist Sword Mounting (短刀〈銘吉光〉附 腰刀拵) is a Kamakura-period tanto by Awataguchi Toshiro Yoshimitsu at the Kyushu Historical Museum in Misawa, Ogori City, Fukuoka Prefecture, which in 1953 was designated a National Treasure.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records one blade 23.3 centimetres long, curved inward, 2.6 centimetres wide at the base with a tang of 9.5 centimetres, first designated under the old system in 1935, with its waist-sword mounting.
According to the Agency, its broad, short form resembles the famous Hocho Toshiro and is unusual.
The Blade
According to the Agency, it is flat-sided with a roof-shaped back, broad and curved inward. The steel shows a tight fine grain with fine crystals; the temper line is a medium straight line with small crystals, mixed with half-circles near the start on the front, with small legs. The point pattern is small and round with strong crystals.
The tang is unaltered, with a chestnut-shaped end, file marks sloping down, one peg hole and a two-character signature below it. The mounting has a black-lacquered sharkskin hilt and a polished-lacquer scabbard, with gold tiger ornaments and a knife handle of shakudo with three oxen in gold.
What to Look For
The Agency describes its steel and edge as of the highest quality and in sound condition.
Notice its broad, compact form, close to that of the Hocho Toshiro.
Visiting the Short Sword (signed Yoshimitsu) with Waist Sword Mounting
Check the Kyushu Historical Museum's schedule for display.
Q&A
- When was the tanto designated a National Treasure?
- On 14 November 1953.
- Who made it?
- Awataguchi Toshiro Yoshimitsu.
- What is unusual about its form?
- It is broad and short, like the Hocho Toshiro.
- How big is it?
- 23.3 cm long and 2.6 cm wide at the base.
- What mounting comes with it?
- A waist-sword mounting with sharkskin hilt and lacquered scabbard.
Basic Information
| Name | Short Sword (signed Yoshimitsu) with Waist Sword Mounting (短刀〈銘吉光〉附 腰刀拵) |
|---|---|
| Location | Kyushu Historical Museum, 5208-3 Misawa, Ogori City, Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Designation | National Treasure (craft) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1953/11/14 (Showa 28); earlier designation 1935/4/30 |
| Quantity | 1 blade (with mounting) |
| Dimensions | 23.3 cm long, curved inward, 2.6 cm wide at the base, tang 9.5 cm |
| Owner | Not recorded in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database |
| Public Access | Check display with the museum |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Tanto by Yoshimitsu (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/201/432
- Cultural Heritage Online: Tanto by Yoshimitsu (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/125827
Last verified: 2026.09.30